Knights and Bikes – From the Devs Behind LittleBigPlanet & More

Foam Sword Studios, a studio co-led by LittleBigPlanet, Tearaway and Ratchet and Clank veterans has recently begun crowdfunding for its new project. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched for a title by the name of Knights and Bikes. It’s planned to be a co-op action adventure game, and it looks as if it’ll be sporting a markedly Tearaway–esque art style.

At the helm of the escapade will be Rex Crowle, Moo Yu and Kenny young, three folk experienced with games that emanate childlike wonder, such as LittleBigPlanet, Tearaway and Ratchet and Clank, whilst joining them on the soundtrack will be Daniel Pemberton. Whilst the composer also contributed musically to the whimsic whack of Media Molecule’s adventure-sandbox, Pemberton’s other credits include work on such recent films as Steve Jobs and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Despite the game’s style being comparable to the trio’s previous projects, Knights and Bikeswill draw a lot of inspiration from nostalgic segments of the 1980’s. Films like E.T and The Goonies are described as main influences, along with classic games like Earthbound and Secret of Mana. Judging by Knights’depiction of a merry, juvenile duo trekking across lands teeming with oddities, there’s already some similarities between the SNES titles and Foam Sword’s fledgling project. What’s more, considering how well both Earthboundand Secret of Manacontinue to be received, we could be in for something special with Knights and Bikes.

The game is said to take place on a hand-drawn, 1980’s island, featuring “adventurous kids”, with some magical realism, treasure and plenty of explorationthrown in to create an imaginative “SNES Era” adventure. The devs will also allegedly drawn inspiration from their own childhoods, which could suggest there’ll be a smattering of poignancy amidst what looks to be a beguiling romp wrought with make-believe and innocent vigor. Oh, bikes. There will absolutely be bikes.

The Kickstarter campaign has gained 962 backers so far, raising close to $42,700. With contributions funding almost by the minute, furthermore, the game certainly seems high on the wishlist of many, and with little under a month to go, Foam Sword’s $144,377.50 goal is looking presently feasible. Whilst a copy of the finished game and a mention in the credits will be supplied to backers at the lowest tier, other rewards range from posters and embroidered badges, to handmade character plushes, artbooks containing early Knights sketches; even a chance to design quests and character backstories.

Knights and Bikesis currently planned for release in spring 2017 for Linux, Mac and PC on Steam, whilst crowdfunding rewards are expected to be distributed by April 2017. The game is also votable on Steam Greenlight. If you’re a nostalgia-nut or fan of the Media Molecule-vibe, Knights and Bikescould very well be worth watching.

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Charlie is a platforming romantic from England, that still speaks in a fashion that died with the Elizabethan era. Having been gaming since the days of Crash Bandicoot, he champions the Playstation, and is only a little bit embarassed that Super Mario Land keeps spelling his defeat.